User Reviews (95)

Great for riding light XC trails, will give you no problems. Very light and fast. Looks.

Weakness:

Will need upgrades. The fork is low quality. Bad for jumping. No disc brakes. Can not handle difficult XC trails.

2009 model
Overall if you are looking for a bike good for trails with a few roots and rocks, this bike is for you. However, if you are into jumping, technical rock gardens, and lots of roots, this bike is not for you. It handles jumping very poorly, even small jumps (2-3 feet). If you want this bike and want to jump it or ride more difficult rocks and roots you will need to upgrade the suspension. The Dart 2 on my bike has barely anything left in it after 3 months.

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

Dylan All Mountain Rider

[Mar 18, 2013]

Strength:

Great for riding light XC trails, will give you no problems. Very light and fast. Looks.

Weakness:
Will need upgrades. The fork is low quality. Bad for jumping. No disc brakes. Can not handle difficult XC trails.

2009 model
Overall if you are looking for a bike good for trails with a few roots and rocks, this bike is for you. However, if you are into jumping, technical rock gardens, and lots of roots, this bike is not for you. It handles jumping very poorly, even small jumps (2-3 feet). If you want this bike and want to jump it or ride more difficult rocks and roots you will need to upgrade the suspension. The Dart 2 on my bike has barely anything left in it after 3 months.

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

Antioch19
Weekend Warrior [Feb 08, 2012]

Strength:

Great for entry level 29er at the price. Within an hour of buying it did 13miles on entry to moderate level trail. As previous reviews noted the breaks do squeal...a lot but not really an issue when I worried about stopping before the cactus which they do. At 650 I can't complain and I can always upgrade parts as budget allows but this works for me since I'm mainly looking for a path to follow and the time to follow it. I'm not planning on racing.

Weakness:

The wheels. As noted in other reviews the stock wheels suck and are no where near aggressive enough. Probably the 1st thing I plan on upgrading when budget allows. Seats not great but get good shorts.

This is an upgrade from a 96 Cannondale CAD3 M300 which, if I could have found a front shock for, I would probably still be riding. At 650 though, great bike.

Similar Products Used:
1st entry into 29ers

OVERALLRATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

Antioch19 Weekend Warrior

[Feb 08, 2012]

Strength:

Great for entry level 29er at the price. Within an hour of buying it did 13miles on entry to moderate level trail. As previous reviews noted the breaks do squeal...a lot but not really an issue when I worried about stopping before the cactus which they do. At 650 I can't complain and I can always upgrade parts as budget allows but this works for me since I'm mainly looking for a path to follow and the time to follow it. I'm not planning on racing.

Weakness:
The wheels. As noted in other reviews the stock wheels suck and are no where near aggressive enough. Probably the 1st thing I plan on upgrading when budget allows. Seats not great but get good shorts.

This is an upgrade from a 96 Cannondale CAD3 M300 which, if I could have found a front shock for, I would probably still be riding. At 650 though, great bike.

Similar Products Used:
1st entry into 29ers

OVERALLRATING

3

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

chipconstant
Weekend Warrior [Sep 27, 2011]

Strength:

29er with great momentum, shifting is solid, good weight and feel

Weakness:

Seat

Pretty good value for my first 29er. Great starting point. Nice ride, climbs like a dream, braking is smooth and solid (but noisy). Shifting is good.
Need to remember to tighten front hubs after removing wheel. Jumped out the fork and I ended up over the bars, not the first time though.

Similar Products Used:
Ross Mt St Helens

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

chipconstant Weekend Warrior

[Sep 27, 2011]

Strength:

29er with great momentum, shifting is solid, good weight and feel

Weakness:
Seat

Pretty good value for my first 29er. Great starting point. Nice ride, climbs like a dream, braking is smooth and solid (but noisy). Shifting is good.
Need to remember to tighten front hubs after removing wheel. Jumped out the fork and I ended up over the bars, not the first time though.

Similar Products Used:
Ross Mt St Helens

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

pingzingr
Cross Country Rider [Jul 18, 2011]

Strength:

Good components.

Weakness:

Frame. Bottom bracket was installed improperly and not tightened. Rode the bike for about nine months before noticed a little wobble. Bracket was stripped out and no replacement frames were available.

Purchased 2010 Gary Fisher Marlin Disc. Loved the red color scheme and bought it for the GF name, quality, and durability they are known for. Rode the bike for about nine months. Took it in prior to moving to Washington for tune up. Had noticed wobble in the front chain ring and told them to check. Shop came back and said bracket had not been tightened properly on installation and that the riding had stripped it out and the frame was done. Called Trek and they initially did not want to warranty the frame. They then agreed to warranty it but could not find a frame in inventory. Replaced my GF Marlin with a Trek 4500. Disappointed with the whole experience. If I had wanted a Trek 4500 then I would have bought one last summer instead of my GF. Trek is not getting a Christmas card from me.

OVERALLRATING

2

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

pingzingr Cross Country Rider

[Jul 18, 2011]

Strength:

Good components.

Weakness:
Frame. Bottom bracket was installed improperly and not tightened. Rode the bike for about nine months before noticed a little wobble. Bracket was stripped out and no replacement frames were available.

Purchased 2010 Gary Fisher Marlin Disc. Loved the red color scheme and bought it for the GF name, quality, and durability they are known for. Rode the bike for about nine months. Took it in prior to moving to Washington for tune up. Had noticed wobble in the front chain ring and told them to check. Shop came back and said bracket had not been tightened properly on installation and that the riding had stripped it out and the frame was done. Called Trek and they initially did not want to warranty the frame. They then agreed to warranty it but could not find a frame in inventory. Replaced my GF Marlin with a Trek 4500. Disappointed with the whole experience. If I had wanted a Trek 4500 then I would have bought one last summer instead of my GF. Trek is not getting a Christmas card from me.

OVERALLRATING

2

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

harryison
Cross Country Rider [Jun 03, 2011]

Strength:

tough.light.good gears

Weakness:

brakes.tires.it has a nice design.great bars that came stock.

best bike i've owned yet. hope to upgrade more myself.want to possibly make it in to dirt jumping bike.

Similar Products Used:
older trek and diamond back.some old fuji bmx

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

harryison Cross Country Rider

[Jun 03, 2011]

Strength:

tough.light.good gears

Weakness:
brakes.tires.it has a nice design.great bars that came stock.

best bike i've owned yet. hope to upgrade more myself.want to possibly make it in to dirt jumping bike.

Similar Products Used:
older trek and diamond back.some old fuji bmx

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

Billy Bob
Cross Country Rider [May 17, 2011]

Strength:

Well built, very good bang for the buck (used, anyway)

Weakness:

Not the best components and a little heavy

I bought this to ride during a visit to CO--it was cheaper than renting and had low miles on it. I liked it so much I shipped it back home (and liked it even more on my local trails). This is a nice bike, handles well and is solidly built--in America (mostly, anyway). The Marlin should be a plough horse, but it just rolls along with only a modicum of work from the rider. It almost seems to give back more energy than you put into it. Nice. I really like this bike and it has already gone into the rotation. I originally thought I'd lighten it up and upgrade the components, but now I may just ride it as is until it dies. It could really use that 9th gear, however. Judging from my '96 Big Sur, it probably will run forever...

Similar Products Used:
Fisher Big Sur, Yeti ARC

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

Billy Bob Cross Country Rider

[May 17, 2011]

Strength:

Well built, very good bang for the buck (used, anyway)

Weakness:
Not the best components and a little heavy

I bought this to ride during a visit to CO--it was cheaper than renting and had low miles on it. I liked it so much I shipped it back home (and liked it even more on my local trails). This is a nice bike, handles well and is solidly built--in America (mostly, anyway). The Marlin should be a plough horse, but it just rolls along with only a modicum of work from the rider. It almost seems to give back more energy than you put into it. Nice. I really like this bike and it has already gone into the rotation. I originally thought I'd lighten it up and upgrade the components, but now I may just ride it as is until it dies. It could really use that 9th gear, however. Judging from my '96 Big Sur, it probably will run forever...

Similar Products Used:
Fisher Big Sur, Yeti ARC

OVERALLRATING

4

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

Sore-Ass
Weekend Warrior [May 08, 2011]

Strength:

2010 model... Lightweight Hydro-formed aluminum frame is very stiff and responsive, handling is superb on the street with incredible lean andles. SRAM rear-cassette and full Deore drivetrain. All aluminum cockpit is light. Looks very sharp in white

Weakness:

Dart 3 fork is awful! Heavy and has lots of lateral flex, it literally darts all over the trail! Lockout simply doesn't work, and preload and rebound adjustments yielded almost no noticeable results. Saddle is THE most uncomfortable saddle i've ever ridden. Tires perform OK on hard pack surfaces, but get them outside their element and they certainly let you know! Avid brakes are paired with cheaper Tektro levers. Center-lock rotor hubs are out-dated

Excellent frame and components for the money, besides the fork and saddle. But lets face it, nobody offers a 7-800 dollar bike with a quality air fork. Wheelset is also a bit heavy and flexy, but that is to be expected for the money. I wish Trek/GF/Bontrager offered these bikes with a quality name brand tire instead of their own Jones XR tire. Don't hesitate to purchase this bike, it is very well rounded and great value. These weaknesses are easily overcome. This bike is excellent for somebody who wants to begin mountain biking because it does everything well out of the box and if you decide this sport is for you, it is easily customizable/upgradeable. First thing should be the fork, saddle and tires to suit your riding.

2010 model... Lightweight Hydro-formed aluminum frame is very stiff and responsive, handling is superb on the street with incredible lean andles. SRAM rear-cassette and full Deore drivetrain. All aluminum cockpit is light. Looks very sharp in white

Weakness:
Dart 3 fork is awful! Heavy and has lots of lateral flex, it literally darts all over the trail! Lockout simply doesn't work, and preload and rebound adjustments yielded almost no noticeable results. Saddle is THE most uncomfortable saddle i've ever ridden. Tires perform OK on hard pack surfaces, but get them outside their element and they certainly let you know! Avid brakes are paired with cheaper Tektro levers. Center-lock rotor hubs are out-dated

Excellent frame and components for the money, besides the fork and saddle. But lets face it, nobody offers a 7-800 dollar bike with a quality air fork. Wheelset is also a bit heavy and flexy, but that is to be expected for the money. I wish Trek/GF/Bontrager offered these bikes with a quality name brand tire instead of their own Jones XR tire. Don't hesitate to purchase this bike, it is very well rounded and great value. These weaknesses are easily overcome. This bike is excellent for somebody who wants to begin mountain biking because it does everything well out of the box and if you decide this sport is for you, it is easily customizable/upgradeable. First thing should be the fork, saddle and tires to suit your riding.

I HAVE HAD MANY BIKES THIS FOR THE MONEY IS BY FAR THE BEST VALUE IT IS LIGHT SMOOTH FAST WILL NOT FIND A BETTER BIKE FOR THE MONEY PERIOD

Weakness:

NONE

BUY IT

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

ERIK Cross Country Rider

[Oct 20, 2010]

Strength:

I HAVE HAD MANY BIKES THIS FOR THE MONEY IS BY FAR THE BEST VALUE IT IS LIGHT SMOOTH FAST WILL NOT FIND A BETTER BIKE FOR THE MONEY PERIOD

Weakness:
NONE

BUY IT

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

JarheadMtnBkr
Weekend Warrior [Jun 16, 2010]

Strength:

Great geometry and components. Awesome starter bike. Love the fact that it is disc upgrade ready.

Weakness:

Stock tires leave something to be desired and the stock seat is uncomfortable on long rides.

Bought this bike to get started into mountain biking and I love it. Handles singletracks with ease, minus the stock tire weakness, but that is easily overcome. I would highly reccomend this bike to anyone looking to get started into the sport. I also LOVE the fact that it is easily upgraded as your skill progresses. For the price, you can't beat it.

Similar Products Used:
None

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

JarheadMtnBkr Weekend Warrior

[Jun 16, 2010]

Strength:

Great geometry and components. Awesome starter bike. Love the fact that it is disc upgrade ready.

Weakness:
Stock tires leave something to be desired and the stock seat is uncomfortable on long rides.

Bought this bike to get started into mountain biking and I love it. Handles singletracks with ease, minus the stock tire weakness, but that is easily overcome. I would highly reccomend this bike to anyone looking to get started into the sport. I also LOVE the fact that it is easily upgraded as your skill progresses. For the price, you can't beat it.

Similar Products Used:
None

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

Mcsmith24
Cross Country Rider [Mar 30, 2010]

Strength:

By far the best bike at this price. Climbs VERY well. Great on single tracks. And downhills.

Weakness:

Some componets like bottom bracket. Have had to have it rebuilt 2x already. But for the price I can't complain.

Buy this bike if you want to ride any trail and have fun. Upgrade it as your skill level improves. The frame and geometry are second to none.

Similar Products Used:
Royce Union dual suspension.

OVERALLRATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

VALUERATING

5

★★★★★

★★★★★

Mcsmith24 Cross Country Rider

[Mar 30, 2010]

Strength:

By far the best bike at this price. Climbs VERY well. Great on single tracks. And downhills.

Weakness:
Some componets like bottom bracket. Have had to have it rebuilt 2x already. But for the price I can't complain.

Buy this bike if you want to ride any trail and have fun. Upgrade it as your skill level improves. The frame and geometry are second to none.